Neeraj Chopra to miss Bhubaneswar event

The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) believes that the World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze in Bhubaneswar that is to be held in Bhubaneswar, on August 10, is a good opportunity for our athletes to pick up ranking points.

The $25,000 prize money competition will see athletes from at least 15 countries. AFI president Bahadur Singh Sagoo announced this during the pre-event press conference on Wednesday.

“Athletes from more than 15 countries will be seen in action in Bhubaneswar this weekend,” Sagoo said.

India will field a strong team of 90, including national record holder Animesh Kujur and middle distance runner Mohammad Afsal. Young and upcoming javelin thrower Sachin Yadav, who recorded his personal best throw of 85.16m at Asian Athletics Championships, will also be in fray.

However, two-time Olympic medallist and Javelin star Neeraj Chopra will skip the meet as he is training abroad.

“He (Neeraj Chopra) is training in Europe in preparation for World Championships,” Sagoo informed.

According to the AFI president, World Athletics guidelines were followed to decide disciplines for this weekend's global competition in Bhubaneswar.

“It is mandatory to include one throwing and one jumping event in the one-day meeting schedule. The competition should have a minimum of 12 disciplines, including five in the women's group. Certain events couldn't be featured as the duration of the one-day Continental Tour as per guidelines of World Athletics is two hours and 30 minutes,” AFI president said.

Sachin Ramachandra Jadhav, Commissioner and secretary sports of Government of Odisha, co-host of the competition said that all arrangements for a successful conduct of the event has been completed. “Odisha has good infrastructure to conduct global events. After the successful conduct of World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze our next goal will be to host either Silver or Gold level events,” he said.